After 18 years as pastor of St. Boniface Martyr parish, Sea Cliff, N.Y., Father Torpey said he is ready for “a whole new wonderful experience.”

Born in Queens, N.Y. and raised in New Hyde Park, N.Y., Father Torpey studied engineering for two years at the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio and then attended Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J.

Although his family was involved in construction, it didn’t seem like the right match for him at Dayton.

“God had a different way of getting my attention,” he said.

Father Torpey entered Our Lady of Angels Seminary, Albany, N.Y. and was ordained into the priesthood June 1, 1968.

His first assignment was as associate pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, Lindenhurst, N.Y., followed by St. James parish, Setauket, N.Y.; Queen of Most Holy Rosary parish, Roosevelt, N.Y.; St. Francis of Assisi parish, Greenlawn, N.Y.; and St. Ignatius Martyr parish, Long Beach, N.Y. He was appointed pastor of St. Boniface Martyr parish, Sea Cliff, N.Y. in 1989.

Father Torpey enjoys taking his altar servers to Long Island Ducks baseball games.

“What I’ve learned is that life is good and it’s fun,” he said. “People take things too seriously. You have to take time and say, ‘Hey, God, thank you.’”

Editor’s Note: Photo Courtesy of The Long Island Catholic/Greg Shemitz

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About The Diocese of Rockville CentreCelebrating its Golden Jubilee, the Diocese of Rockville Centre (www.drvc.org) was formed in 1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There are also 120,189 total students in religious education. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island. (4/20/07)